Custom Bed Sheet, Pillow and Pillowcase Systems and Apparatuses

ABSTRACT

Custom bedding systems and apparatuses adapted to a bed having a box spring and a mattress, for securing desired sides of a bed to prevent a bed occupant from rolling off the side. Embodiments include a fitted bed sheet, inflatable bolster pillows and bolster pillow cases, with the fitted sheet having the soft (loop) side of hook and loop fastener straps affixed to the perimeter (sides and bottom), and the bolster pillow cases having the hard (hook) side of hook and loop fastener straps affixed along the entire length of the case, and when the hook and loop fastener straps are affixed together along any side or the entire perimeter, the bolster pillows serve as a soft yet sturdy barrier that prevents a bed occupant from rolling off the bed.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/232,607, filed on Aug. 12, 2021, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present disclosure.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of child bedding materials found in the prior art but none easily allow a barrier of pillows to help small children from falling off a bed. Pillows used as barriers can easily pushed off a bed or even fall off a bed. Other prior art devices include large, hard, heavy and cumbersome bed rails to protect children and adults from falling out of their beds. Annoying to use and difficult to store, these prior art rails have to be removed and put back on the bed every time the bed is made or even when the sheets are changed/washed. Storage of the bulky bed rails is another common problem with prior art apparatuses. Transporting these heavy bedrails adds to the inconvenience, for example when using these devices in hotels when traveling. Many of these heavy metal bedrails also have a history of causing physical injuries to children and adults with some deaths even occurring in some instances every year.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the KIDSAFE BEDDING branded apparatuses and systems are improved protective and multi-functional bedrail/barrier systems which help prevent adults and children from falling out of bed. Embodiments are easily and quickly assembled. Embodiments of the inflatable bolster pillows, covered with bolster covers with having hook and loop fastener straps, attach to the hook and loop fastener straps sewn onto the sides and bottom of a fitted sheet (up to the entire length of the side of the fitted sheet) and serve as the barrier/bedrail. When not in use, the bolsters can be relocated on the bed to function as backrests and beautiful decorative pillows. Since the bolsters are inflatable and deflatable, the system easily packs in a small zippered case for travel whereby any bed may be made safe from falls. KIDSAFE BEDDING eliminates the use of heavy, hard, bulky metal bedrails that are hard to maneuver, store, and cause physical injuries.

Many of the illustrative embodiments include a KIDSAFE bolster pillow which can be blown up in less than one minute and placed within a KIDSAFE decorative bolster cover. In many embodiments, the bolster pillow with a cover is 10 inches in diameter with varying lengths such as 18-inch or 36-inch long sizes. In these embodiments, hidden under a flap made of the bolster cover's fabric, along the entire length of the decorative cover, is sewn the rough (hook) side of a heavy-duty 2-inch wide hook and loop fastener strap that may be attached to the soft (loop) side of the hook and loop fastener straps that are sewn into the entire length of the sides and bottom of a luxurious fitted organic cotton bed sheet. By affixing the strap on the bolster cover to the strip on the fitted sheet, a super strong bedrail barrier is formed in order to protect someone located in the bed with the bedrail barrier from falling off the bed. When not in use as a bedrail for protection, embodiments do not have to be stored. The embodiments may also function as decorative pillows, a backrests or any other suitable bedding material.

Embodiments are compact and light so that components such as the sheet, bolster and bolster cover can easily be packed into one or more small cases with closures such as zippers whereby they can be packed for travel and used to transform any bed into a safe bed.

The embodiments can be used in a number of different environments. In many of these embodiments, the strips are affixed to the fitted sheet the along the perimeter of the fitted sheet about seven inches from edges of the fitted sheet.

Several embodiments include a bedding system for protection and comfort including a fitted sheet having a one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the fitted sheet; at least one bolster pillow; and at least one bolster pillow cover having one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the bolster cover; wherein the bolster pillow cover is removably attachable to the one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the fitted sheet. In some embodiments, the bolster pillow is inflatable. In some embodiments, the bolster pillow also functions as a backrest. In some embodiments, the bolster pillow provides a platform for one or more sensors wherein the sensors are affixed to the interior or exterior of the at least one bolster pillows with one or more additional hook and loop fastener strips. These sensors can then be used to monitor the user, for example the movement or body temperature of the user, or they can be used to monitor the environment around the user such as light level, noise level or sound levels. The sensors can also record data over time so they can be stored and used by other computer enabled programs simultaneously or at a later time. Many of the embodiments use a bolster pillow that also functions as a decorative pillow and some embodiments include a carrying case for storing and carrying the deflated bolster pillow, bolster pillow case, and the fitted sheet so that the bedding system can be utilized as a fall protection system on other beds when traveling.

One objective of embodiments of the inventive subject matter is to provide protection from children and adults from falling off the edge of beds or other similar raised platforms.

Another objective of the inventive subject matter is to provide protection from adults or disabled persons from injuries due to falls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the inventive subject matter, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an organic cotton fitted sheet, available in all sizes and multiple colors, with the soft part of a two-inch-wide hook and loop fastener strap fastened onto the length of the sides and bottom according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 2 illustrates an inflated industrial strength rubber bolster pillow according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bolster cover on the pillow with the side flap of fabric according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bolster cover on the pillow with the fabric flap lifted to reveal the hook and loop fastener strap underneath according to the embodiments of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bolster cover attached to a fitted sheet according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bolster cover attached to a fitted sheet according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter; and

FIG. 7 depicts a bed with the KIDSAFE BEDDING bolster pillows attached to the perimeter of the fitted sheet creating a protective barrier (bedrail) according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of various components used in embodiments of an organic cotton fitted sheet 10 on a bed 14, available in all sizes and a variety of colors, with the soft part of a two-inch-wide hook and loop fastener strip 12 sewn onto the entire length of the sides and bottom of the fitted sheet. In other embodiments the firmer portion (rather than the soft portion) of the two-inch-wide hook and loop fastener strap 12 may be sewn onto the entire length of the sides and bottom of the fitted sheet 10. According to various embodiments, a strip 12 may be any segment of hook or loop fastener material in any suitable dimension.

Embodiments allow a user to choose from various quality components for one or more of the various sheets including a fine quality custom organic cotton sheet set in a number of colors including but not limited to white, cream, tan, light blue, and pink. As shown in FIG. 1 , each sheet set can include one fitted sheet 10 with the soft (loop) part of a heavy duty polypropylene industrial strength hook and loop fastener strip 12. In many of these embodiments, the strip 12 is two inches wide and sewn into the entire length of the sides and bottom of the sheet 10 and the strip 12 is positioned about seven inches in distance from the edge of the mattress 16. Also included in the sheet set is one industrial strength rubber bolster blow-up pillow 20 as shown in FIG. 2 , and one custom decorative bolster case 30 as shown in FIG. 3 with the rough part of a heavy-duty hook and loop fastener strap, two inches wide, sewn along the entire length of the bolster case, and hidden under a fabric flap 32 which is also where the zipper to open the case is located and typically positioned in a not-visible orientation. Other dimensions for any of the components including the pillow 20 and the bolster case 30 may also be used. In these embodiments, the sheet sets will be available in all standard sheet sizes, for example sets sized to fit king, California king, queen, full, twin, toddler and crib mattresses.

Embodiments of the inflatable bolster pillow 30 are available in varying sizes, for example a large size (36″ long by 10″ in diameter) and/or a smaller size (18″ long by 10″ in diameter) or it may be constructed in any other suitable size and/or dimensions and it may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials, for example a fabric and a rubber material may be used. The bolster pillow 30 may be inflated manually or using any other automatic, manual or other type of inflation mechanism known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, other devices such as sensors, for example to measure temperature, pressure or movement, may be fastened or removable attached to the bolster pillow 20 or the bolster pillow case 30 for allowing for one or more sensing devices and systems known to those skilled in the art to be used with the embodiments.

In these embodiments, the bolster pillow cases 30 are available in a wide variety of fabrics, for example beautiful washable fabrics, and include a zipper 52 closure along a segment or portion of the bolster pillow case 30, for example as shown in FIG. 5 fastened along the length of the bolster pillow case 30 to ensure a tighter fit for the inflatable bolster pillow 30 that is positioned inside the bolster case 30. Additionally, in many embodiments and as shown in FIG. 6 , a unique horizontal flap 32 is positioned along the entire length of the bolster case, hiding the zipper and hook and loop fastener two-inch-wide strip sewn into the fabric along the entire length of the cover.

Many embodiments also include a flap 32 that enables a user to fold the flap 32 back (i.e. back and away from the flat surface of the bolster 30) to expose a previously non-visible hook and loop fastener strip 12 underneath the flap 32 which, when exposed by the folded flap 32, can be used to attach to the soft hook and loop fastener strip 12 on the fitted sheet 10. Alternatively, the flap 32 can be used to cover and hide the hook and loop fastener strip 12 when not being used as a bolster bedrail protector, for example when it is being used as a decorative pillow or backrest.

In many of these embodiments, the fitted sheet 10, which can be constructed in sizes to fit all mattress sizes and constructed of any suitable material such as a fine organic cotton material, has the soft portion of hook and loop fastener strip 12 (such as a strip 12 made from heavy-duty hook and loop fastener material) sewn into the sheet along the lengths of the perimeter of the sheet 10 forming a large u-shape of strip 12. The strip 12 can cover much or a substantial portion of the sheet 10's entire surface. The strips 12 are sewn onto the sheet in any suitable fashion, for example with threads, and the strips 12 can be positioned in any suitable matter, for example about seven inches inside the edge of the outer perimeter of the bed mattress 16.

As shown in FIG. 7 , using these described elements, the user can create a bolster pillow-wall of protection by placing multiple bolster pillows 20 (not shown) each with a pillow cover 30 wherever the user choses, for example shown along the perimeter of the bed mattress 16, and by pressing or pushing the pillow cover 30's attached hook and loop fastener strip 12 down into the soft hook and loop fastener strip 12 on the fitted sheet 10, the user can help ensure no one positioned in the center area of bed mattress 16 will fall off the side of the bed and possibly injure themselves.

Many of the described embodiments are designed so they can be easily assembled in a few minutes. Many of the embodiments are also designed to be light, portable, and, as previously mentioned, protect bed users from falling off the sides of the bed. The bolster pillows 20 and the associated bolster pillow covers 30 can be adapted to be of any size for accommodate any size person (or even an animal) sleeping on the bed mattress 16. Typical users include parents of infants, toddlers, young kids, and even the elderly. Some of the described embodiments can be adapted to be platforms for sensing devices that can be used with other known sensing and feedback systems and apparatuses, for instance by providing additional strips 12 connected to one or more sensors (not shown).

The embodiments of KIDSAFE BEDDING can provide more safety for babies, toddlers and adults, and they can eliminate the need for big, bulky and dangerous rails currently on the market that can cause serious physical injury. With KIDSAFE BEDDING, beautiful sheets, blow-up bolster pillows and bolster covers have been re-purposed to be multi-functional and suitable for any environment. Some of the embodiments include a combination of three simple components that can be packaged in a zippered container that can be used with any bedding setup, and, when deployed, provide protective barriers for children and adults from falling off beds. Many of the embodiments are both light and portable so they can transform any bed away from home into a safe bed. When not being used as a protective bedrail, embodiments can be used as beautiful decorative pillows that also can function as backrests, for instance when a user is reading or watching TV.

Since everyone uses bedding sheets, the KIDSAFE BEDDING embodiments can provide the consumer with bedding that not only looks beautiful but functions as a safe protective barrier/guard, as well allowing parents to not worry about sleeping in hotels that do not provide any protection for children falling off beds. Furthermore, kids can sleep safely at the edge of the bed so that they do not get in-between parents sleeping next to each other. With KIDSAFE BEDDING, everyone will rest easy knowing that their loved ones are safe in any KIDSAFE bed.

Embodiments of the KIDSAFE BEDDING systems and apparatuses can be sold in retail stores that sell home goods, and more specifically bedding, for example stores such as Bed Bath and Beyond™, department stores and children's stores such as Buy Buy Baby™. In addition, the protective bedding set embodiments can be sold retail and wholesale through the internet, such as social media presence, an e-commerce platform and/or a website.

Further, while embodiments of the present inventive subject matter have been described using a particular combination of components, it should be recognized that other combinations of bedding components are also within the scope of the present inventive subject matter. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that additions, subtractions, deletions, and other modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bedding system for protection and comfort comprising: a fitted sheet having a one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the fitted sheet; at least one bolster pillow; and at least one bolster pillow cover having one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the bolster cover; wherein the bolster pillow cover is removably attachable to the one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the fitted sheet.
 2. The bedding system for protection and comfort of claim 1 wherein the at least one bolster pillow is inflatable.
 3. The bedding system for protection and comfort of claim 1 wherein the at least one bolster pillow also functions as a backrest.
 4. The bedding system for protection and comfort of claim 1 wherein the at least one bolster pillow provides a platform for one or more sensors wherein the sensors are affixed to the interior or exterior of the at least one bolster pillows with one or more additional hook and loop fastener strips.
 5. The bedding system for protection and comfort of claim 1 wherein the at least one bolster pillow also functions as a decorative pillow.
 6. The bedding system for protection and comfort of claim 1 further comprising a carrying case for the deflated bolster pillow, bolster pillow case, and the fitted sheet so that the bedding system can be utilized as a fall protection system on other beds when traveling.
 7. The bedding system for protection and comfort of claim 1 wherein the strips are affixed to the fitted sheet the along the perimeter of the fitted sheet about seven inches from edges of the fitted sheet.
 8. A bedding apparatus for protection and comfort comprising: a fitted sheet having a one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the fitted sheet; at least one bolster pillow; and at least one bolster pillow cover having one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the bolster cover; wherein the bolster pillow cover is removably attachable to the one or more hook and loop fastener strips affixed to the fitted sheet.
 9. The bedding apparatus for protection and comfort of claim 8 wherein the at least one bolster pillow is inflatable.
 10. The bedding apparatus for protection and comfort of claim 8 wherein the at least one bolster pillow also functions as a backrest.
 11. The bedding apparatus for protection and comfort of claim 8 wherein the at least one bolster pillow provides a platform for one or more sensors wherein the sensors are affixed to the interior or exterior of the at least one bolster pillows with one or more additional hook and loop fastener strips.
 12. The bedding apparatus for protection and comfort of claim 8 wherein the at least one bolster pillow also functions as a decorative pillow.
 13. The bedding apparatus for protection and comfort of claim 8 further comprising a carrying case for the deflated bolster pillow, bolster pillow case, and the fitted sheet so that the bedding system can be utilized as a fall protection system on other beds when traveling.
 14. The bedding apparatus for protection and comfort of claim 8 wherein the strips are affixed to the fitted sheet the along the perimeter of the fitted sheet about seven inches from edges of the fitted sheet. 